I had some Clarion car stereo stuff in the early 1990's, but haven't since then (I've been using JVC, Polk, and Infinity).

Is the Clarion stuff still good?

 

Well car audio has changed a lot over the years. I am sure your stuff is still good though. Doesn't take but a sec to hook it up and listen. Prolly still better than stock.

 

I meant I was buying new Clarion audio gear.

It's also certain to be better than the empty hole I have right now.

I was looking at Clarion because they offer a USB port that is compatible with WMA- and MP3-loaded data storage. It has a decoder and a menu that is usable when reading from the data sticks.

They have the most affordable USB-optioned head units.

 

You can try looking at Sony Xplode systems also. I have one and it also accepts USB flash drives and has 52 watts per channel. Cost me around $100 with 5 1/4 speakers and has sub out...Tj

 

pioneer, kenwood, alpine, and pretty much every popular brand have usb and ipod features now

 

For radios I only use alpine for amps and spekers I go rockford or alpine. Just my opinion though I also like focal for spekers.

 

Clarion makes good stuff, yes. I prefer Alpine for head units. The one running in my 2001 Cherokee has IPOD, bluetooth, and DVD/Gaming console controls built into it (yeah, overkill I know), and can synch with my cell phone for hands free use (I have a mic installed for voice) too. A bit extra, but a great deck.

For speakers, Infinity and Polk make some pretty great stuff, especially if you can run components (separate mid's and tweeters preferably with a crossover).

All in all though, the speakers are the most important part, so if you invest in anyone thing the most, make it the speakers. Provided that they're receiving adequate power, they'll make all the difference in your sound quality.

 

I love my Kenwood and for the money can't beat it. The head unit you go with all depends on what you need and want out of it. Me I just wanted a good unit that had a usb plug on the face for mp3's and would run 4 5.25" factory sized speakers. I didn't need high end and have no plans for a high end system so it worked. If I was going to build a high end system Apline head unit would be my top pick with polk or jbl speakers.

 

This is the head unit I'm about to order.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=19512

I'm going to order a set of JL Audio 5-1/4" and 6" at the same time and push them with a JL 300/4 amp. For the lows I'll use 2 10" Rockford Fosgate subs with a JL 250/1. Should sound good.

 

Are you going to cut the front or the back for the 6"s???

I was going to use 5 1/4 components up front and 5 1/4 coax in the rear. I haven't decided if I want 2 10"s or 1 12" sub yet.

 

Friends dont let friends buy clarion!

mark

 

Come on... you can't make a blanket-statement like that without giving some reasons.

 

come on man.. with all the nice stuff out there.. you re talking about clarion?
i d rather put sony xplode in my cherokee then clarion!
plus who needs a stereo when you can listen to swampers singing on the road!?

just my opinion..
Mark

 

The 6" speakers will go across the top of the cargo area.

 

You have roof-mounts.

cool.